Diane Abbott’s Brexit confusion – part II

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Here we go again. For some time now Labour’s Brexit confusion can be described as ‘complicated’ at best. Matters aren’t helped by the fact that Labour shadow cabinet members often go on the airwaves and contradict each others – sometimes even themselves. This was evidenced last month took to the Andrew Marr show to claim that Labour had never supported a second referendum – despite writing to a constituent to say she would argue for the ‘right of the electorate to vote on any deal that is finally agreed’.

Now it seems Labour’s ever-changing Brexit position is getting too much even for Abbott. In an interview with Prospect, the shadow home secretary attempts to explain her party’s stance on the customs union – before turning to her aide to check she has got it right:

‘I ask Abbott for clarity—but it is not forthcoming. “We’re certainly going to stay in the single market and customs union during the transition, and I believe what we’re saying is that we’re going to be staying in the customs union after that,” Abbott says, before turning to her adviser to ask for help.

“I think that’s what they’re saying, isn’t it?”

The reply comes back: “Nothing’s off the table.”

Abbott turns back to me. “Nothing’s off the table,” she repeats.’

Mr S suggests Abbott needn’t worry too much about grasping it – it will only change again in a day anyway…